What can we learn from play spaces of the past? How can old play spaces be updated to preserve original design ideas while keeping pace with ever evolving design standards and notions of childhood?

This program was a fun, intimate journey through Central Park’s play spaces and landscapes. It taught more about the work of the Central Park Conservancy and play of the past. Marie Warsh, historian and director of preservation planning at the Conservancy, guided us on a tour of playgrounds in Central Park, reflected on the cultural histories embedded in the landscape. Exploring changing notions of childhood and play, we visited the Children’s District, designed by Olmsted and Vaux; Heckscher Playground, the park’s first modern playground; and other play spaces that have undergone a number of transformations, including the newly-rehabilitated Adventure Playground at West 67th Street.

This event was designated for ASLA CES PDH/HSW (1 LU).